Top Free Agents Cowboys-Must Prioritize in 2024 NFL Offseason
The Dallas Cowboys have a few holes they need to fill in the offseason.
Three cornerbacks, four defensive linemen and both running backs are set to become free agents once the 2023 NFL season comes to an end.
Dallas could opt to keep Tony Pollard. Stephon Gilmore and others, or it could look to improve across the board in order to keep up with the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC.
The biggest decision could come at running back, where the Cowboys might be willing to part ways with Pollard and Rico Dowdle in favor of a draft pick-veteran combination that would freshen up the offensive support to Dak Prescott.
The defensive reinforcements might come from outside the franchise because the likes of Gilmore, Johnathan Hankins and others could find big-money contracts elsewhere.
Justin Madubuike
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Dallas' biggest defensive overhaul could come on the interior of the defensive line.
Hankins and Neville Gallimore are both scheduled to become free agents and the potential departures of both players would leave a huge hole in the defense.
Dallas is not going to spend big at cornerback because Trevon Diggs is coming back and Da'Ron Bland established himself as one of the league's top defenders this season.
Any free-agent replacements for Gilmore and other free agents at corner will come either through the draft or low-cost free agents.
Justin Madubuike could be the big prize the Cowboys chase after on defense to fill the potentially large hole on the defensive line.
Madubuike eclipsed his sack total from the previous three seasons in 2023 with the Baltimore Ravens. He has 12 sacks in 2023. He had 8.5 sacks in his first three seasons.
Madubuike will be coveted by many teams, and he could even stay in Baltimore, but if the Cowboys landed him, his presence could help the franchise elevate to another level in the NFC alongside the 49ers.
Sheldon Rankins
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Sheldon Rankins will be the in a lower tier than Madubuike when it comes to cost along the defensive line.
The 29-year-old is performing well on a one-year deal with the Houston Texans. He has five sacks, which is the second-highest total of his career.
Rankins would be a more cost-efficient signing in free agency because Dallas is tied up in a handful of big contracts, starting with quarterback Dak Prescott.
Dallas would benefit from adding a veteran defensive lineman, similar to what San Francisco did with Javon Hargrave last offseason, if its impending free agents leave in the offseason.
The Cowboys may not have to go through the trouble of adding defensive tackles if Hankins and/or Gallimore return, but if they do not, they should bring in at least one veteran in free agency and draft another player to develop.
Gus Edwards
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The Cowboys were not willing to sign Pollard to a big-money deal last offseason, so they may not be willing to splash a ton of cash in the coming offseason as well.
Gus Edwards is an intriguing fit for the Cowboys because he would presumably come at a lower cost than Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley.
Edwards could help bridge the gap to a younger star running back, similar to what was happening in Baltimore before Keaton Mitchell went down with a torn ACL.
Edwards is a touchdown machine and could be used in early-down and red-zone situations in a potential tandem with a young running back who could thrive on third down and passing situations.
Dallas could keep Pollard or Dowdle and pair one of them with a young back as well, but if they chase larger deals elsewhere, Edwards could be an under-the-radar signing to go after.
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